News, Events, & Notes from Down Under - In this issue: DO...visit a crocodile farm --- DON'T...attempt to ride on the back of a crocodile at said farm.  read more

Spring is a popular season for many people, a great time for a holiday break, and for the flora enthusiasts, the perfect period to experience and enjoy the wild flower season throughout Australia. It is not just the wetter regions of Australia that have beautiful floral display, contrary to some beliefs, the arid heart of Central Australia can also put on a beautiful spring wildflower show. For those in the know, the word is out that the 'Red Centre' is one of the most perfect places to vi...  read more

New Zealand has stepped back into the role of Middle-earth and the realm of mythical creatures as filming finally gets underway on The Hobbit - one of the biggest Kiwi movies ever to be made. Cameras began rolling at Sir Peter Jackson's Stone Street Studios in Wellington today (21.3.11) and in other secret locations around the country, after what has been a challenging path for the famous director and his next epic movie venture. Finally the famous actors who'll play hobbits, elves, dwarfs...  read more

Fijian food has a wonderful mix of the spicy curries that are influenced by the Indian people and the coconut, fish, sweet potato, cassava and other vegetables that the Fijians bring to the culture. Over time this food has developed and evolved to the current mix of flavours we experience now. The people are extremely talented and are able to cater for their large families with very basic equipment and supplies. They often just have a gas hob, a large basic pot with no handle, spoon, bowl and...  read more

Put at least 300 shrimp on the barbie, because Oprah Winfrey is taking her audience to Australia. On the premiere of the 25th -- and final -- season of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that aired Monday, Winfrey surprised the 300 people in her studio audience that she was taking them all on a trip to Australia. The audience shrieked when Winfrey made the announcement, and actor John Travolta stepped out of a mock-up of a Qantas Airways jet that rolled onto the stage. "I started to think about w...  read more

In Hollywood, the name New Zealand now shares star billing with the likes of Sir Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts, Kiefer Sutherland, Tom Cruise and Sir Ian McKellen. Over the past decade, the country's reputation has developed as the perfect backdrop for some of Hollywood's finest movies. Films like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, River Queen, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Whale Rider, and The Last Samurai are casting the spotlight on New Zealand's breathtaking scenery. Director And...  read more

What is a One Week Walkabout? Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself. In Australia we call this going walkabout. Have you always wanted to go to Australia, but didn't think you had the time? An Australian Walkabout doesn't have to take weeks why not take a One Week Walkabout. A One Week Walkabout is a short trip to Australia. Australia provides the ideal option for a no-hassle, action-packed getaway. Let's dispel some of the myths... What is a One Week Walkabout? You can ...  read more

Least explored of the Society Islands, Huahine is a happy, peaceful place, where the traditional Polynesian way of life continues in spectacular scenery that rivals any on Moorea or Bora Bora, Huahine is actually two islands basking in one lagoon, encircled by a coral necklace. On its shores, coconut palms sprout in untamed profusion, separated from the sea by a narrow band of powdery white sand. Considered to be the cradle of ancient Polynesian culture, Huahine is also home to many of Polynesia...  read more